EP2538619A1 - Method for transferring data packets - Google Patents

Method for transferring data packets Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2538619A1
EP2538619A1 EP11170979A EP11170979A EP2538619A1 EP 2538619 A1 EP2538619 A1 EP 2538619A1 EP 11170979 A EP11170979 A EP 11170979A EP 11170979 A EP11170979 A EP 11170979A EP 2538619 A1 EP2538619 A1 EP 2538619A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
data
data packet
transmission
transmitter
receiver
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP11170979A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2538619B1 (en
Inventor
Franz-Josef GÖTZ
Günter Steindl
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Siemens AG
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Siemens AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Siemens AG filed Critical Siemens AG
Priority to EP11170979.6A priority Critical patent/EP2538619B1/en
Priority to ES11170979.6T priority patent/ES2445718T3/en
Priority to US13/528,611 priority patent/US20120327950A1/en
Priority to CN2012102138341A priority patent/CN102843288A/en
Publication of EP2538619A1 publication Critical patent/EP2538619A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2538619B1 publication Critical patent/EP2538619B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L47/00—Traffic control in data switching networks
    • H04L47/10—Flow control; Congestion control
    • H04L47/24—Traffic characterised by specific attributes, e.g. priority or QoS
    • H04L47/245—Traffic characterised by specific attributes, e.g. priority or QoS using preemption
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/40—Bus networks
    • H04L12/40143—Bus networks involving priority mechanisms
    • H04L12/40163—Bus networks involving priority mechanisms by assigning priority to messages according to a message field
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/40—Bus networks
    • H04L2012/4026—Bus for use in automation systems

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for transmitting data packets in an Ethernet automation network, in particular to a method for transmitting data packets with different priorities.
  • the DE 10 2008 039 580 A1 discloses a method for transmitting data packets in a communication network, wherein first data packets with a low priority are transmitted between a sender and a receiver of the communication network, and wherein second data packets with a high priority over the first data packets are preferably transmitted between the sender and the receiver.
  • a second data packet to be transmitted by the transmitter to the receiver it is checked whether a first data packet is currently being transmitted. If the check of whether a first data packet is currently being transmitted is positive, the transmission of the first data packet is aborted or interrupted and the second data packet is subsequently transmitted thereto.
  • each first data packet is stored in a buffer in parallel to a transmission process and is deleted from the buffer only after a complete transmission of the first data packet to the receiver.
  • the invention relates to a method for transmitting data packets in an Ethernet automation network.
  • the data packages consist of several data frames.
  • a minimum size of the data frames is less than 64 bytes.
  • the minimum size of data frames in Ethernet networks, which are known from the prior art, is 64 bytes, since this minimum size collision detection in the Ethernet works.
  • Collision detection in Ethernet works according to the Carrier Sense Multiple Access / Collision Detection (CSMA / CD) method. For this, a minimum frame size of 64 bytes is required so that a sender can detect the collision of the transmitted frame with another frame and thus has information that this frame was not received correctly by the receiver.
  • CSMA / CD Carrier Sense Multiple Access / Collision Detection
  • a first data packet having a first priority is received by a transmitter.
  • the transmitter may be, for example, a network node, a router, a switch or a bridge.
  • a transmission of the first data packet from the transmitter to a receiver is started.
  • a second data packet with a second priority is received.
  • the second priority is higher than the first priority.
  • the second data packet is to be transmitted to the receiver.
  • the different priority levels indicate the importance of the data packet within the network. For example, real-time data has a relatively high priority or even the highest priority, while user data such as Internet data has a relatively low priority or even the lowest priority.
  • the sender receives information about how important a package is for the functioning of the automation network. For example, real-time data should be forwarded as quickly as possible because a delay can disrupt the automation process that is being performed by the automation network.
  • An automation network may e.g. be designed as an industrial automation network.
  • Such industrial automation networks may e.g. for the control and / or regulation of industrial installations (for example production plants, conveyor systems, etc.), machines and / or devices, which are designed and / or provided.
  • automation networks or industrial automation networks real-time communication protocols (eg Profinet, Profibus, Real-Time Ethernet) for communication at least between the components involved in the control and / or regulatory tasks (eg between the control units and the systems to be controlled and / or Machines).
  • the secure transmission of data via storage media is also covered.
  • At least one further communication protocol may also be provided in the automation network or industrial automation network, e.g. for monitoring, setting up, reprogramming and / or reparameterizing one or more control units in the automation network.
  • An automation network may e.g. Wired communication components and / or wireless communication components include.
  • an automation network may include at least one automation device.
  • An automation device can be, for example, a computer, PC and / or controller with control tasks or control capabilities.
  • an automation device for example, an industrial automation device be, for example, designed, equipped and / or provided specifically for the control and / or regulation of industrial equipment.
  • such automation devices or industrial automation devices can be real-time capable, ie enable real-time control or regulation.
  • the automation device or the industrial automation device for example, comprise a real-time operating system and / or at least support, inter alia, a real-time communication protocol for communication (eg Profinet, Profibus, Real-Time Ethernet).
  • An automation network includes multiple sensors and actuators.
  • the actuators and sensors are controlled by at least one control device.
  • the actuators, the sensors and the at least one control device exchange data with each other.
  • An automation protocol is used for data exchange.
  • the at least one controller controls the actuators, the sensors and the data exchange so that a machining process takes place in which e.g. a product is produced.
  • An industrial automation device may e.g. a programmable logic controller, a module or part of a programmable logic controller, be integrated in a computer or PC programmable logic controller and corresponding field devices, sensors and / or actuators, input and / or output devices or the like for connection to a programmable logic controller or include such.
  • any type of protocol is provided, which is provided for communication with automation devices according to the present description, suitable and / or set up.
  • Such automation protocols can be, for example, the Profibus protocol (eg according to IEC 61158 / EN50170), a Profibus-DP protocol, a Profibus-PA protocol, a Profinet protocol, a Profinet-IO protocol, a protocol in accordance with AS-Interface, a protocol in accordance with IO-Link, a KNX protocol, a protocol according to a multipoint interface (MPI), a protocol for a point-to-point connection (point-to-point connection).
  • MPI multipoint interface
  • PtP a protocol according to the specifications of the S7 communication (which is provided and set up, for example, for the communication of programmable logic controllers from Siemens) or an Industrial Ethernet protocol or real-time Ethernt protocol or more specific Be protocols for communication with automation devices.
  • S7 communication which is provided and set up, for example, for the communication of programmable logic controllers from Siemens
  • Industrial Ethernet protocol or real-time Ethernt protocol or more specific Be protocols for communication with automation devices.
  • any combination of the aforementioned protocols may be provided.
  • the transmitter aborts the transmission process of the first data packet within one of the data frames of the first data packet.
  • the transmission is aborted at the time the second data packet is received. It is therefore aborted the transmission of the data frame, which is at the time of receiving the second data packet in the transmission process. Thereafter, the transmission of the second data packet from the transmitter to the receiver.
  • the cancellation of the transmission process within a data frame has the advantage that the higher priority data is sent faster by the transmitter.
  • a data frame is always transmitted to the end. This results in a minimum size of the data frame of 64 bytes, as prescribed in the Ethernet, a delay of 5 microseconds at a transmission speed of 100 Mbit / s, if the transmission process of the data frame has just been started when the second data packet is received. If, for example, the second data packet now includes real-time data, this real-time data would be forwarded by the transmitter by 5 ⁇ s late. This delay is multiplied in each transmitter of the automation network. This results in a total delay of 5 ⁇ s per network node. This can lead to the real-time data being delayed too much and errors in the automation network.
  • the minimum size of the data frames is less than 64 bytes reduces this delay when sending the second data packet. For example, if a data frame consists of only 1 byte, the delay will drop to 80 ns for a data transfer rate of 100 Mbps. The minimum size of the data frames can be reduced to up to 1 byte. This 1 byte must not be underrun to avoid creating an alignment error.
  • the delay during the transmission of the second data packet drops to 40 ns at a speed of 100 Mbit / s. In this case, only the last nibble has to be sent. A nibble is half a byte, that is 4 bits. An entire byte does not have to be transmitted here because an alignment error has no significant effect.
  • the aborted data frame is discarded at the receiver as well. In this case, the alignment error caused by aborting the data frame without sending the last full byte becomes unimportant. The aborted data frame must then be retransmitted when the second data packet has been transmitted. If a part of the aborted data frame has already been received by the receiver, it will be discarded in the receiver.
  • RMII Reduced Media Independent Interfaces
  • the reduction of the minimum size of the data frames to less than 64 bytes is advantageous, as less the transmission of the first data packet within a frame must be aborted.
  • data packets with a low priority would be transmitted extremely slowly through the automation network, because their data transmission would always be interrupted by data packets with a second priority.
  • each data frame of the first data packet is buffered during the transmission process.
  • the data frame whose transmission was aborted once again transferred to the cache. This happens after the second data packet has been transmitted.
  • Caching the data frames ensures that when the transmission process is interrupted, the data frame whose transmission has been interrupted is not lost. Such a data frame is not received correctly by the receiver. Therefore it has to be transmitted to the receiver again.
  • the transmission of the first data packet and the transmission of the second data packet via a transmission path from the transmitter to the receiver.
  • This transmission path is used exclusively for data transmissions from the transmitter to the receiver in the full duplex method.
  • data packets can be exchanged in both directions between the transmitter and the receiver at the same time, without collisions occurring between the data packets.
  • collisions between data packets that are in opposite Directions are transmitted over the same transmission path, avoided.
  • collisions are avoided even if the minimum size of the data frame is less than 64 bytes.
  • the transmission of the first data packet is interrupted after transmission of a nibble.
  • a nibble consists of 4 bits.
  • the transmission of the first data packet can be aborted after transmission of a complete byte. This may for example be the case with Media Independent Interfaces (MII), where the smallest transferable unit is one byte.
  • MII Media Independent Interfaces
  • the sender immediately forwards a data frame of the data frames of the first and second data packets after a first part of that data frame has been received. This can also be referred to as so-called cut-through switching. This speeds up the forwarding of the data packets, as it does not wait to send to the receiver until the data packet has been completely received by the sender.
  • each of the data frames of the first and second data packets includes a destination address.
  • the destination address determines via which network connection of the transmitter the respective data frame is transmitted to the receiver.
  • the send port of the sender is determined by the destination address.
  • the send port which can also be referred to as a network connection, only the receiver is connected.
  • the second data packet comprises real-time data of the automation network.
  • the real-time data of the automation network must be as possible be forwarded quickly because they are essential for the correct operation of the automation process within the automation network. In particular, by an excessive delay of the real-time data, the automation process may stall or only run erroneously. Therefore, it is advantageous that the second data packet with the higher priority is sent as quickly as possible by the transmitter to the receiver.
  • the invention relates to a transmitter for an Ethernet automation network for the transmission of data packets.
  • the data packets consist of several data frames.
  • a minimum size of the data frames is less than 64 bytes.
  • the transmitter comprises means for receiving a first data packet having a first priority. This can be for example a network connection.
  • the transmitter comprises means for starting a transmission of the first data packet to a receiver.
  • the transmission process can be started by a processor.
  • the first data packet can be sent to the recipient via another network connection, for example.
  • the transmitter comprises means for receiving a second data packet with a second priority.
  • This can be received, for example, via the same network connection as the first data packet or via another network connection.
  • the second priority is higher than the first priority of the first data packet.
  • the second data packet should also be transmitted to the receiver. This may be determined, for example, by a destination address comprising the data packet.
  • the destination address can be read by the processor, for example.
  • the transmitter comprises means for canceling the transmission of the first data packet within one of the data frames of the first data packet.
  • the transmission process is aborted at the data frame which is in the transmission process at the time of the reception of the second data packet.
  • the transmission process of the first data packet is then aborted when the second data packet with the second priority is received.
  • the transmitter also includes means for transmitting the second data packet to the receiver. This can be done, for example, via the same network connection as the transmission of the first data packet.
  • the invention relates to a computer program product having sender-executable instructions that when executed cause the sender to perform a method according to embodiments of the invention.
  • the invention relates to an automation network having at least one transmitter according to embodiments of the invention.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a data packet 100.
  • the data packet 100 consists of several frames 102-102 '''''. Each data frame 102 has a minimum size of less than 64 bytes.
  • a transmitter such as a network node, a Router, a switch, or a bridge
  • FIG. 1 For example, it is shown that the transmission of the data frame 102 "is aborted at the location 104. An abort of the transmission of the data frame 102" at the location 104 may occur, for example, if sent by the sender sending this data frame 102 "at the moment other data packet ( FIG.
  • the data packet 100 includes user data, such as Internet data, and the other in FIG. 1 Not shown data packet includes important real-time data, which are essential for the automation process of the automation network. If further data packets are to be forwarded to the same receiver, the transmission of the data frame 102 "is aborted without the data frame 102" being completely transmitted to the receiver. Thus, the higher-priority data packet not shown with the real-time data can be forwarded as quickly as possible to the receiver. The aborted data frame 102 "is retransmitted after transmission of the higher priority data packet because it could not be received correctly by the receiver because it was not completely transmitted.
  • Reducing the minimum size of the data frames to less than 64 bytes is also advantageous because it does not require the transfer of a data frame to be terminated as frequently as it does for data frames of a higher minimum size. Thus, even low priority data is reliably transmitted at an acceptable speed. With a larger minimum size of the data frames 102, the transmissions of the low priority data frames 102 would often be aborted because a higher priority data packet needs to be transmitted. In this case, the forwarding of low prioritized data would be significantly delayed.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a transmitter 200 having a processor 202, a data memory 204, and program instructions 206.
  • the processor 202 is configured to execute the program instructions 206.
  • the transmitter 200 includes network ports 208-208 ". Through the network ports 208-208 ", the transmitter 200 is connected to other components of the automation network. For example, the transmitter 200 may be connected to a receiver via the network connector 208, and to other transmitters 208 'and 208 "with other transmitters, from which the transmitter 200 in turn receives data. In other words, the transmitter 200 is adapted to receive data packets which are received via one of the network ports 208 'or 208 ", via the network port 208 to the receiver.
  • a first data packet having a first priority is received via one of the network ports 208 'or 208 ", whereupon the processor 202 reads out the destination address of the first data packet and starts a transmission of the first data packet to the receiver via the network port 208.
  • a second data packet with a second priority is received via one of the network ports 208 'or 208 ".
  • the second priority is higher than the first priority.
  • the processor 202 also reads out the destination address of the second data packet here.
  • the destination address matches the destination address of the first data packet. In other words, therefore, the second data packet should also be transmitted to the receiver.
  • the priorities are also read out by the processor.
  • the processor 202 By comparing the first priority with the second priority, the processor 202 has information that the forwarding of the second data packet is more important to the automation network than the transmission of the first data packet. Therefore, the transmission process of the first data packet within one of the data frames of the first data packet is aborted. The abort occurs at the data frame which is in the transmission process at the time of the reception of the second data packet. It will be the second as soon as possible Data packet sent to the receiver. This reduces the delay time for high priority data such as real time data. After termination of the transmission process of the first data packet, the second data packet is transmitted to the receiver via the network connection 208. If the transmission of the second data packet has taken place, the transmission process of the first data packet can be resumed.
  • the aborted data frame is retransmitted because it could not previously be received correctly by the receiver.
  • the first data packet including the aborted data frame can for example be stored in the data memory 204 or in another data memory. Either the whole data package can be saved or even only a part. For example, a data frame of the first data packet can be deleted if it has been completely transmitted. Thus, only data frames of the first data packet, which have not yet been completely transmitted to the receiver, are located in the data memory.
  • FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method according to embodiments of the invention.
  • a first step S1 the first data packet with the first priority is received by the transmitter.
  • step S2 the transmission of the first data packet from the transmitter to the receiver is started. This transmission continues during step S3.
  • step S3 the second data packet with the second priority is received by the transmitter at a time, while the transmission of the first data packet is still running. The second priority is higher than the first priority and the second data packet is also to be transmitted to the same receiver as the first data packet.
  • step S4 the transmission process of the first data packet within one of the data frames of the first data packet is aborted.
  • the transmission of the data frame is aborted, which is at the time of receiving the second data packet in the transmission process.
  • the transmission process is thus aborted as soon as possible. It will not Waited until a data frame is completely transferred.
  • step S5 the second data packet is transmitted from the sender to the receiver.
  • the transmission of the first data packet can be continued when the transmission of the second data packet is completed.
  • the aborted data frame is transmitted repeatedly because it could not previously be received correctly by the receiver.
  • the first data packet is buffered during the transmission process of the second data packet in the transmitter.
  • the entire first data packet can be buffered or only the part of the first data packet that has not yet been completely transmitted to the receiver.

Abstract

The method involves receiving a data packet (100) with a priority by a transmitter, starting a transmission process of the data packet from the transmitter to a receiver, and receiving another data packet with another priority to a time by the transmitter. The latter priority is higher than the former priority. The latter data packet is transmitted to the receiver. The transmission process of the former data packet is aborted within a data frame (102'') of the former data packet. The latter data packet is transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) a transmitter for an Ethernet-automation network for transmission of data packets; and (2) a computer program product with instructions for executing data packets transmitting method.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zur Übertragung von Datenpaketen in einem Ethernet-Automatisierungsnetzwerk, insbesondere ein Verfahren zur Übertragung von Datenpaketen mit unterschiedlichen Prioritäten.The invention relates to a method for transmitting data packets in an Ethernet automation network, in particular to a method for transmitting data packets with different priorities.

Aus dem Stand der Technik sind Verfahren zur Übertragung von Datenpaketen bekannt. Die DE 10 2008 039 580 A1 offenbart ein Verfahren zum Übertragen von Datenpaketen in einem Kommunikationsnetz, wobei erste Datenpakete mit einer niedrigen Priorität zwischen einem Sender und einem Empfänger des Kommunikationsnetzes übertragen werden und wobei zweite Datenpakete mit einer hohen Priorität gegenüber den ersten Datenpaketen bevorzugt zwischen dem Sender und dem Empfänger übertragen werden. Bei einem von dem Sender an den Empfänger zu übertragenden zweiten Datenpaket wird überprüft, ob gegenwärtig ein erstes Datenpaket übertragen wird. Wenn die Überprüfung, ob gegenwärtig ein erstes Datenpaket übertragen wird, positiv ist, wird die Übertragung des ersten Datenpaketes abgebrochen oder unterbrochen und das zweite Datenpaket wird im Anschluss daran übertragen. Nach der Übertragung des zweiten Datenpakets wird die Übertragung des nicht übertragenen ersten Datenpakets wiederholt oder des Rests des unvollständig übertragenen ersten Datenpaketes veranlasst. Jedes erste Datenpaket wird parallel zu einem Sendevorgang in einem Zwischenspeicher gespeichert und wird erst nach einer vollständigen Übertragung des ersten Datenpakets an den Empfänger aus dem Zwischenspeicher gelöscht.Methods for transmitting data packets are known from the prior art. The DE 10 2008 039 580 A1 discloses a method for transmitting data packets in a communication network, wherein first data packets with a low priority are transmitted between a sender and a receiver of the communication network, and wherein second data packets with a high priority over the first data packets are preferably transmitted between the sender and the receiver. In a second data packet to be transmitted by the transmitter to the receiver, it is checked whether a first data packet is currently being transmitted. If the check of whether a first data packet is currently being transmitted is positive, the transmission of the first data packet is aborted or interrupted and the second data packet is subsequently transmitted thereto. After the transmission of the second data packet, the transmission of the untransmitted first data packet is repeated or the remainder of the incompletely transmitted first data packet is initiated. Each first data packet is stored in a buffer in parallel to a transmission process and is deleted from the buffer only after a complete transmission of the first data packet to the receiver.

Demgegenüber liegt der Erfindung die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein verbessertes Verfahren zur Übertragung von Datenpaketen in einem Ethernet-Automatisierungsnetzwerk, einen verbesserten Sender für ein Ethernet-Automatisierungssystem, ein verbessertes Computerprogrammprodukt und ein verbessertes Automatisierungssystem zu schaffen.On the other hand, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved method for transmitting data packets in an Ethernet automation network, an improved transmitter for an Ethernet automation system, an improved computer program product and an improved automation system.

Die der Erfindung zugrunde liegenden Aufgaben werden mit den Merkmalen der unabhängigen Ansprüche gelöst. Ausführungsformen der Erfindung sind in den abhängigen Ansprüchen angegeben.The objects underlying the invention are achieved with the features of the independent claims. Embodiments of the invention are indicated in the dependent claims.

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zur Übertragung von Datenpaketen in einem Ethernet-Automatisierungsnetzwerk. Die Datenpakete bestehen dabei aus mehreren Datenframes. Eine Mindestgröße der Datenframes beträgt weniger als 64 Bytes. Die Mindestgröße von Datenframes in Ethernet-Netzwerken, die aus dem Stand der Technik bekannt sind, beträgt 64 Bytes, da über diese Mindestgröße die Kollisionserkennung im Ethernet funktioniert. Die Kollisionserkennung im Ethernet funktioniert nach dem sogenannten Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Detection (CSMA/CD)-Verfahren. Hierfür ist eine Mindest-Framegröße von 64 Bytes notwendig, damit ein Sender die Kollision des abgesendeten Frames mit einem anderen Frame detektieren kann und somit Informationen darüber hat, dass dieser Frame nicht korrekt vom Empfänger empfangen wurde.The invention relates to a method for transmitting data packets in an Ethernet automation network. The data packages consist of several data frames. A minimum size of the data frames is less than 64 bytes. The minimum size of data frames in Ethernet networks, which are known from the prior art, is 64 bytes, since this minimum size collision detection in the Ethernet works. Collision detection in Ethernet works according to the Carrier Sense Multiple Access / Collision Detection (CSMA / CD) method. For this, a minimum frame size of 64 bytes is required so that a sender can detect the collision of the transmitted frame with another frame and thus has information that this frame was not received correctly by the receiver.

Bei einem Verfahren nach Ausführungsformen der Erfindung wird ein erstes Datenpaket mit einer ersten Priorität durch einen Sender empfangen. Der Sender kann beispielsweise ein Netzwerkknoten, ein Router, ein Switch oder eine Bridge sein. Daraufhin wird ein Sendevorgang des ersten Datenpakets von dem Sender zu einem Empfänger gestartet. Während des Sendevorgangs wird ein zweites Datenpaket mit einer zweiten Priorität empfangen. Die zweite Priorität ist dabei höher als die erste Priorität. Außerdem soll das zweite Datenpaket an den Empfänger übertragen werden. Es ist zu beachten, dass auch mehr Prioritäten als lediglich zwei Prioritäten möglich sind. Die unterschiedlichen Prioritätsstufen geben die Wichtigkeit des Datenpakets innerhalb des Netzwerks an. Beispielsweise weisen Echtzeitdaten eine relativ hohe Priorität oder sogar die höchste Priorität auf, während Benutzerdaten wie beispielsweise Internetdaten eine relative niedrige Priorität oder sogar die niedrigste Priorität aufweisen. Durch den Vergleich der Prioritäten erhält der Sender Informationen darüber, wie wichtig ein Paket für die Funktionsweise des Automatisierungsnetzwerks ist. Echtzeitdaten sollen beispielsweise möglichst schnell weitergeleitet werden, da eine Verzögerung den Automatisierungsprozess, der durch das Automatisierungsnetzwerk ausgeführt wird, stören kann.In a method according to embodiments of the invention, a first data packet having a first priority is received by a transmitter. The transmitter may be, for example, a network node, a router, a switch or a bridge. Then, a transmission of the first data packet from the transmitter to a receiver is started. During the transmission process, a second data packet with a second priority is received. The second priority is higher than the first priority. In addition, the second data packet is to be transmitted to the receiver. It should be noted that more priorities than just two priorities are possible. The different priority levels indicate the importance of the data packet within the network. For example, real-time data has a relatively high priority or even the highest priority, while user data such as Internet data has a relatively low priority or even the lowest priority. By comparing priorities, the sender receives information about how important a package is for the functioning of the automation network. For example, real-time data should be forwarded as quickly as possible because a delay can disrupt the automation process that is being performed by the automation network.

Ein Automatisierungsnetzwerk kann z.B. als industrielles Automatisierungsnetzwerk ausgebildet sein. Solche industriellen Automatisierungsnetzwerke können z.B. zur Steuerung und/oder Regelung von industriellen Anlagen (z.B. Produktionsanlagen, Förderanlagen usw.), Maschinen und/oder Geräten ausgebildet, eingerichtet und/oder vorgesehen sein. Insbesondere können Automatisierungsnetzwerke bzw. industrielle Automatisierungsnetzwerke Echzeit-Kommunikationsprotokolle (z.B. Profinet, Profibus, Real-Time-Ethernet)zur Kommunikation zumindest zwischen den an den Steuerungs- und/oder Regelungsaufgaben beteiligten Komponenten (z.B. zwischen den Steuerungseinheiten und den zu steuernden Anlagen und/oder Maschinen) aufweisen. Die sichere Übertragung von Daten über Speichermedien ist ebenfalls abgedeckt.An automation network may e.g. be designed as an industrial automation network. Such industrial automation networks may e.g. for the control and / or regulation of industrial installations (for example production plants, conveyor systems, etc.), machines and / or devices, which are designed and / or provided. In particular, automation networks or industrial automation networks real-time communication protocols (eg Profinet, Profibus, Real-Time Ethernet) for communication at least between the components involved in the control and / or regulatory tasks (eg between the control units and the systems to be controlled and / or Machines). The secure transmission of data via storage media is also covered.

Weiterhin kann neben einem Echtzeit-Kommunikationsprotokoll aber auch noch mindestens ein weiteres Kommunikationsprotokoll (das z.B. nicht echtzeitfähig zu sein braucht) in dem Automatisierungsnetzwerk bzw. industriellen Automatisierungsnetzwerk vorgesehen sein, z.B. zum Überwachen, Einrichten, Umprogrammieren und/oder Umparametrieren einer oder mehrerer Steuerungseinheiten im Automatisierungsnetzwerk.Furthermore, in addition to a real-time communication protocol, at least one further communication protocol (which, for example, need not be real-time capable) may also be provided in the automation network or industrial automation network, e.g. for monitoring, setting up, reprogramming and / or reparameterizing one or more control units in the automation network.

Ein Automatisierungsnetzwerk kann z.B. drahtgebundene Kommunikationskomponenten und/oder drahtlose Kommunikationskomponenten umfassen. Außerdem kann ein Automatisierungsnetzwerk zumindest eine Automatisierungseinrichtung umfassen.An automation network may e.g. Wired communication components and / or wireless communication components include. In addition, an automation network may include at least one automation device.

Eine Automatisierungseinrichtung kann beispielsweise ein Computer, PC und/oder Controller mit Steuerungs-Aufgaben bzw. Steuerungs-Fähigkeiten sein. Insbesondere kann eine Automatisierungseinrichtung beispielsweise eine industrielle Automatisierungseinrichtung sein, die z.B. speziell zur Steuerung und/oder Regelung industrieller Anlagen ausgebildet, eingerichtet und/oder vorgesehen sein kann. Insbesondere können solche Automatisierungseinrichtungen bzw. industriellen Automatisierungseinrichtungen echtzeitfähig sein, d.h. eine Steuerung bzw. Regelung in Echtzeit ermöglichen. Dazu kann die Automatisierungseinrichtung bzw. die industrielle Automatisierungseinrichtung z.B. ein Echtzeitbetriebssystem umfassen und/oder zumindest unter anderem ein echtzeitfähiges Kommunikationsprotokoll zur Kommunikation (z.B. Profinet, Profibus, Real-Time-Ethernet) unterstützen.An automation device can be, for example, a computer, PC and / or controller with control tasks or control capabilities. In particular, an automation device, for example, an industrial automation device be, for example, designed, equipped and / or provided specifically for the control and / or regulation of industrial equipment. In particular, such automation devices or industrial automation devices can be real-time capable, ie enable real-time control or regulation. For this purpose, the automation device or the industrial automation device, for example, comprise a real-time operating system and / or at least support, inter alia, a real-time communication protocol for communication (eg Profinet, Profibus, Real-Time Ethernet).

Ein Automatisierungsnetzwerk umfasst mehrere Sensoren und Aktuatoren. Die Aktuatoren und Sensoren werden von zumindest einer Steuerungseinrichtung gesteuert. Die Aktuatoren, die Sensoren und die zumindest eine Steuerungseinrichtung tauschen Daten miteinander aus. Zum Datenaustausch wird ein Automatisierungsprotokoll verwendet. Die zumindest eine Steuerungseinrichtung steuert die Aktuatoren, die Sensoren und den Datenaustausch so, dass ein maschineller Fertigungsprozess abläuft, in dem z.B. ein Produkt hergestellt wird.An automation network includes multiple sensors and actuators. The actuators and sensors are controlled by at least one control device. The actuators, the sensors and the at least one control device exchange data with each other. An automation protocol is used for data exchange. The at least one controller controls the actuators, the sensors and the data exchange so that a machining process takes place in which e.g. a product is produced.

Eine industrielle Automatisierungseinrichtung kann z.B. eine speicherprogrammierbare Steuerung, ein Modul oder Teil einer speicherprogrammierbaren Steuerung, eine in einem Computer oder PC integrierte speicherprogrammierbare Steuerung sowie entsprechende Feldgeräte, Sensoren und/oder Aktoren, Ein-und/oder Ausgabegeräte oder Ähnliches zum Anschluss an einer speicherprogrammierbare Steuerung sein oder solche umfassen.An industrial automation device may e.g. a programmable logic controller, a module or part of a programmable logic controller, be integrated in a computer or PC programmable logic controller and corresponding field devices, sensors and / or actuators, input and / or output devices or the like for connection to a programmable logic controller or include such.

Als Automatisierungsprotokoll im Sinne der vorliegenden Erfindung wird jede Art von Protokoll verstanden, das zur Kommunikation mit Automatisierungs-Einrichtungen gemäß der vorliegenden Beschreibung vorgesehen, geeignet und/oder eingerichtet ist. Solche Automatisierungsprotokolle können beispielsweise das Profibus-Protokoll (z. B. gemäß IEC 61158/EN50170), ein Profibus-DP-Protokoll, ein Profibus-PA-Protokoll, ein Profinet-Protokoll, ein Profinet-IO-Protokoll, ein Protokoll gemäß AS-Interface, ein Protokoll gemäß IO-Link, ein KNX-Protokoll, ein Protokoll gemäß einer Mehrpunkt-Schnittstelle (Multipoint-Interface, MPI), ein Protokoll für eine Punkt-zu-Punkt-Kopplung (Point-to-Point, PtP), ein Protokoll gemäß den Spezifikationen der S7-Kommunikation (welches beispielsweise zur Kommunikation von speicherprogrammierbaren Steuerungen der Firma Siemens vorgesehen und eingerichtet ist) oder auch ein Industrial-Ethernet-Protokoll oder Real-Time-Ethernt-Protokoll bzw. weitere spezifische Protokolle für die Kommunikation mit Automatisierungsgeräten sein. Als Automatisierungsprotokoll im Sinne der vorliegenden Beschreibung können auch beliebige Kombinationen der vorgenannten Protokolle vorgesehen sein.As an automation protocol in the context of the present invention, any type of protocol is provided, which is provided for communication with automation devices according to the present description, suitable and / or set up. Such automation protocols can be, for example, the Profibus protocol (eg according to IEC 61158 / EN50170), a Profibus-DP protocol, a Profibus-PA protocol, a Profinet protocol, a Profinet-IO protocol, a protocol in accordance with AS-Interface, a protocol in accordance with IO-Link, a KNX protocol, a protocol according to a multipoint interface (MPI), a protocol for a point-to-point connection (point-to-point connection). Point, PtP), a protocol according to the specifications of the S7 communication (which is provided and set up, for example, for the communication of programmable logic controllers from Siemens) or an Industrial Ethernet protocol or real-time Ethernt protocol or more specific Be protocols for communication with automation devices. As an automation protocol in the sense of the present description, any combination of the aforementioned protocols may be provided.

Falls also solch ein zweites Datenpaket mit einer höheren Priorität als das erste Datenpaket empfangen wird, bricht der Sender den Sendevorgang des ersten Datenpaketes innerhalb eines der Datenframes des ersten Datenpakets ab. Der Sendevorgang wird zu dem Zeitpunkt abgebrochen, an dem das zweite Datenpaket empfangen wird. Es wird also die Übertragung des Datenframes abgebrochen, der sich zu dem Zeitpunkt des Empfangs des zweiten Datenpakets im Sendevorgang befindet. Daraufhin erfolgt die Übertragung des zweiten Datenpakets von dem Sender zu dem Empfänger.If, therefore, such a second data packet is received with a higher priority than the first data packet, the transmitter aborts the transmission process of the first data packet within one of the data frames of the first data packet. The transmission is aborted at the time the second data packet is received. It is therefore aborted the transmission of the data frame, which is at the time of receiving the second data packet in the transmission process. Thereafter, the transmission of the second data packet from the transmitter to the receiver.

Der Abbruch des Sendevorganges innerhalb eines Datenframes hat den Vorteil, dass die höherpriorisierten Daten schneller durch den Sender gesendet werden. Im Stand der Technik wird dagegen ein Datenframe immer bis zum Ende übertragen. Dadurch ergibt sich bei einer Mindestgröße des Datenframes von 64 Bytes, wie es im Ethernet vorgeschrieben ist, eine Verzögerung von 5 Mikrosekunden bei einer Übertragungsgeschwindigkeit von 100 Mbit/s, falls der Sendevorgang des Datenframes gerade erst gestartet wurde, wenn das zweite Datenpaket empfangen wird. Falls nun beispielsweise das zweite Datenpaket Echtzeitdaten umfasst, würden diese Echtzeitdaten durch den Sender um 5 µs verspätet weitergeleitet. Diese Verspätung multipliziert sich in jedem Sender des Automatisierungsnetzwerks. Es ergibt sich also eine insgesamte Verzögerung von 5 µs pro Netzwerkknoten. Dies kann dazu führen, dass die Echtzeitdaten zu sehr verzögert werden und es zu Fehlern im Automatisierungsnetzwerk kommt.The cancellation of the transmission process within a data frame has the advantage that the higher priority data is sent faster by the transmitter. In the prior art, however, a data frame is always transmitted to the end. This results in a minimum size of the data frame of 64 bytes, as prescribed in the Ethernet, a delay of 5 microseconds at a transmission speed of 100 Mbit / s, if the transmission process of the data frame has just been started when the second data packet is received. If, for example, the second data packet now includes real-time data, this real-time data would be forwarded by the transmitter by 5 μs late. This delay is multiplied in each transmitter of the automation network. This results in a total delay of 5 μs per network node. This can lead to the real-time data being delayed too much and errors in the automation network.

Dadurch, dass die Mindestgröße der Datenframes weniger als 64 Bytes beträgt, wird diese Verzögerung beim Senden des zweiten Datenpakets verringert. Wenn beispielsweise ein Datenframe nur aus einem 1 Byte besteht, sinkt die Verzögerung bei einer Datenübertragungsgeschwindigkeit von 100 Mbit/s auf 80 ns. Die Mindestgröße der Datenframes kann auf bis zu 1 Byte reduziert werden. Dieses 1 Byte darf nicht unterschritten werden, um keinen Alignmentfehler zu erzeugen.The fact that the minimum size of the data frames is less than 64 bytes reduces this delay when sending the second data packet. For example, if a data frame consists of only 1 byte, the delay will drop to 80 ns for a data transfer rate of 100 Mbps. The minimum size of the data frames can be reduced to up to 1 byte. This 1 byte must not be underrun to avoid creating an alignment error.

Bei einem Abbruch des Sendevorgangs des ersten Datenpakets innerhalb des Datenframes, wenn die Mindestgröße des Datenframes noch nicht erreicht ist, sinkt die Verzögerung bei der Sendung des zweiten Datenpaketes auf 40 ns bei einer Geschwindigkeit von 100 Mbit/s. In diesem Fall muss nämlich nur noch das letzte Nibble gesendet werden. Ein Nibble ist ein halbes Byte, also 4 Bits. Hier muss nicht ein ganzes Byte übertragen werden, da ein Alignmentfehler keine wesentlichen Auswirkungen hat. Der abgebrochene Datenframe wird beim Empfänger sowie verworfen. In diesem Falle wird der Alignmentfehler, der durch das Abbrechen des Datenframes ohne Sendung des letzten kompletten Bytes entsteht, unwichtig. Der abgebrochene Datenframe muss anschließend, wenn das zweite Datenpaket übertragen wurde, erneut übertragen werden. Falls ein Teil des abgebrochenen Datenframes bereits vom Empfänger empfangen wurde, wird dieser im Empfänger verworfen.If the transmission of the first data packet within the data frame is aborted, if the minimum size of the data frame has not yet been reached, the delay during the transmission of the second data packet drops to 40 ns at a speed of 100 Mbit / s. In this case, only the last nibble has to be sent. A nibble is half a byte, that is 4 bits. An entire byte does not have to be transmitted here because an alignment error has no significant effect. The aborted data frame is discarded at the receiver as well. In this case, the alignment error caused by aborting the data frame without sending the last full byte becomes unimportant. The aborted data frame must then be retransmitted when the second data packet has been transmitted. If a part of the aborted data frame has already been received by the receiver, it will be discarded in the receiver.

Das letzte Nibble muss komplett übertragen werden, da beispielsweise sogenannte Reduced Media Independent Interfaces (RMII) mit Nibbles arbeitet. Die Übertragung von weniger als 1 Nibble, also 4 Bits, ist hier nicht möglich.The last nibble has to be completely transferred, as for example so-called Reduced Media Independent Interfaces (RMII) works with Nibbles. The transmission of less than 1 nibble, so 4 bits, is not possible here.

Die Reduzierung der Mindestgröße der Datenframes auf weniger als 64 Bytes ist vorteilhaft, da so weniger oft die Übertragung des ersten Datenpakets innerhalb eines Frames abgebrochen werden muss. Je kleiner die Framegröße ist, desto seltener muss der Sendevorgang abgebrochen werden, um das zweite Datenpaket zu übertragen. Je größer die Mindestgröße der Datenframes ist, desto öfter wird der Sendevorgang des ersten Datenpakets innerhalb eines der Datenframes des ersten Datenpakets abgebrochen, wodurch sich die insgesamte Übertragungszeit des ersten Datenpakets erheblich verzögert, da der unterbrochene Datenframe immer wieder übertragen werden muss. Somit würden Datenpakete mit einer niedrigen Priorität extrem langsam durch das Automatisierungsnetzwerk übertragen, weil ihre Datenübertragung immer wieder durch Datenpakete mit einer zweiten Priorität unterbrochen werden würde.The reduction of the minimum size of the data frames to less than 64 bytes is advantageous, as less the transmission of the first data packet within a frame must be aborted. The smaller the frame size, the less frequently the transmission process has to be aborted in order to transmit the second data packet. The larger the minimum size of the data frames, the more often the transmission of the first data packet within one of the data frames of the first data packet is aborted, as a result of which the total transmission time of the first data packet is considerably delayed because the interrupted data frame must be transmitted again and again. Thus, data packets with a low priority would be transmitted extremely slowly through the automation network, because their data transmission would always be interrupted by data packets with a second priority.

Nach Ausführungsformen der Erfindung wird jeder Datenframe des ersten Datenpakets während des Sendevorgangs zwischengespeichert. Im Falle des Abbruchs des Sendevorgangs wir der Datenframe, dessen Übertragung abgebrochen wurde, nochmals auf den Zwischenspeicher übertragen. Dies geschieht, nachdem das zweite Datenpaket übertragen wurde.According to embodiments of the invention, each data frame of the first data packet is buffered during the transmission process. In the case of cancellation of the transmission process, the data frame whose transmission was aborted, once again transferred to the cache. This happens after the second data packet has been transmitted.

Durch die Zwischenspeicherung der Datenframes wird erreicht, dass bei Unterbrechung des Sendevorgangs der Datenframe, dessen Übertragung unterbrochen wurde, nicht verloren geht. Ein solcher Datenframe wird nicht korrekt vom Empfänger empfangen. Daher muss er nochmals an den Empfänger übertragen werden.Caching the data frames ensures that when the transmission process is interrupted, the data frame whose transmission has been interrupted is not lost. Such a data frame is not received correctly by the receiver. Therefore it has to be transmitted to the receiver again.

Nach Ausführungsformen der Erfindung erfolgen der Sendevorgang des ersten Datenpakets und die Übertragung des zweiten Datenpakets über einen Übertragungsweg von dem Sender zu dem Empfänger. Dieser Übertragungsweg wird ausschließlich für Datenübertragungen von dem Sender zu dem Empfänger im Vollduplex-Verfahren genutzt. Mit anderen Worten können zeitgleich zwischen dem Sender und dem Empfänger in beiden Richtungen Datenpakete ausgetauscht werden, ohne dass es zu Kollisionen zwischen den Datenpaketen kommt. Durch dieses Merkmal werden Kollisionen zwischen Datenpaketen, die in entgegengesetzten Richtungen über den gleichen Übertragungsweg übertragen werden, vermieden. Somit werden Kollisionen auch dann vermieden, wenn die Mindestgröße der Datenframes weniger als 64 Bytes beträgt.According to embodiments of the invention, the transmission of the first data packet and the transmission of the second data packet via a transmission path from the transmitter to the receiver. This transmission path is used exclusively for data transmissions from the transmitter to the receiver in the full duplex method. In other words, data packets can be exchanged in both directions between the transmitter and the receiver at the same time, without collisions occurring between the data packets. Through this feature, collisions between data packets that are in opposite Directions are transmitted over the same transmission path, avoided. Thus, collisions are avoided even if the minimum size of the data frame is less than 64 bytes.

Nach Ausführungsformen der Erfindung wird die Übertragung des ersten Datenpakets nach Übertragung eines Nibbles abgebrochen. Ein Nibble besteht aus 4 Bits. Alternativ kann die Übertragung des ersten Datenpakets nach Übertragung eines kompletten Bytes abgebrochen werden. Dies kann beispielsweise bei Media Independent Interfaces (MII) der Fall sein, wo die kleinste übertragbare Einheit ein Byte ist.According to embodiments of the invention, the transmission of the first data packet is interrupted after transmission of a nibble. A nibble consists of 4 bits. Alternatively, the transmission of the first data packet can be aborted after transmission of a complete byte. This may for example be the case with Media Independent Interfaces (MII), where the smallest transferable unit is one byte.

Nach Ausführungsformen der Erfindung leitet der Sender einen Datenframe der Datenframes des ersten und des zweiten Datenpakets sofort weiter, nachdem ein erster Teil dieses Datenframes empfangen wurde. Dies kann auch als sogenanntes Cut Through Switching bezeichnet werden. Hierdurch wird die Weiterleitung der Datenpakete beschleunigt, da mit dem Senden an den Empfänger nicht gewartet wird, bis das Datenpaket durch den Sender komplett empfangen wurde.According to embodiments of the invention, the sender immediately forwards a data frame of the data frames of the first and second data packets after a first part of that data frame has been received. This can also be referred to as so-called cut-through switching. This speeds up the forwarding of the data packets, as it does not wait to send to the receiver until the data packet has been completely received by the sender.

Nach Ausführungsformen der Erfindung umfasst jeder der Datenframes des ersten und des zweiten Datenpakets eine Zieladresse. Die Zieladresse legt fest, über welchen Netzwerkanschluss des Senders der jeweilige Datenframe an den Empfänger übertragen wird. Mit anderen Worten wird der Sendeport des Senders durch die Zieladresse festgelegt. An dem Sendeport, der auch als Netzwerkanschluss bezeichnet werden kann, ist nur der Empfänger angeschlossen. Somit wird eine schnelle Weiterleitung der Datenpakete gewährleistet, da durch einfaches Auslesen der Zieladresse direkt der Netzwerkanschluss festgelegt ist, über den der jeweilige Datenframe an den Empfänger übertragen werden soll.According to embodiments of the invention, each of the data frames of the first and second data packets includes a destination address. The destination address determines via which network connection of the transmitter the respective data frame is transmitted to the receiver. In other words, the send port of the sender is determined by the destination address. At the send port, which can also be referred to as a network connection, only the receiver is connected. Thus, a fast forwarding of the data packets is guaranteed, since by simply reading the destination address directly the network connection is set, via which the respective data frame is to be transmitted to the receiver.

Nach Ausführungsformen der Erfindung umfasst das zweite Datenpaket Echtzeitdaten des Automatisierungsnetzwerks. Die Echtzeitdaten des Automatisierungsnetzwerks müssen möglichst schnell weitergeleitet werden, da sie essentiell für den korrekten Ablauf des Automatisierungsprozesses innerhalb des Automatisierungsnetzwerks sind. Insbesondere kann durch eine übermäßige Verzögerung der Echtzeitdaten der Automatisierungsprozess ins Stocken geraten oder nur noch fehlerhaft ablaufen. Daher ist es vorteilhaft, dass das zweite Datenpaket mit der höheren Priorität möglichst schnell durch den Sender an den Empfänger gesendet wird.According to embodiments of the invention, the second data packet comprises real-time data of the automation network. The real-time data of the automation network must be as possible be forwarded quickly because they are essential for the correct operation of the automation process within the automation network. In particular, by an excessive delay of the real-time data, the automation process may stall or only run erroneously. Therefore, it is advantageous that the second data packet with the higher priority is sent as quickly as possible by the transmitter to the receiver.

In einem weiteren Aspekt betrifft die Erfindung einen Sender für ein Ethernet-Automatisierungsnetzwerk zur Übertragung von Datenpaketen. Die Datenpakete bestehen aus mehreren Datenframes. Eine Mindestgröße der Datenframes beträgt weniger als 64 Bytes. Der Sende umfasst Mittel zum Empfangen eines ersten Datenpakets mit einer ersten Priorität. Dies kann beispielsweise ein Netzwerkanschluss sein. Außerdem umfasst der Sender Mittel zum Start eines Sendevorgangs des ersten Datenpakets zu einem Empfänger. Beispielsweise kann der Sendevorgang durch einen Prozessor gestartet werden. Das erste Datenpaket kann beispielsweise über einen weiteren Netzwerkanschluss an den Empfänger gesendet werden.In a further aspect, the invention relates to a transmitter for an Ethernet automation network for the transmission of data packets. The data packets consist of several data frames. A minimum size of the data frames is less than 64 bytes. The transmitter comprises means for receiving a first data packet having a first priority. This can be for example a network connection. In addition, the transmitter comprises means for starting a transmission of the first data packet to a receiver. For example, the transmission process can be started by a processor. The first data packet can be sent to the recipient via another network connection, for example.

Ferner umfasst der Sender Mittel zum Empfang eines zweiten Datenpakets mit einer zweiten Priorität. Dies kann beispielsweise über den gleichen Netzwerkanschluss wie das erste Datenpaket oder über einen anderen Netzwerkanschluss empfangen werden. Die zweite Priorität ist höher als die erste Priorität des ersten Datenpakets. Das zweite Datenpaket soll ebenfalls an den Empfänger übertragen werden. Dies kann beispielsweise durch eine Zieladresse, die das Datenpaket umfasst, festgelegt sein. Die Zieladresse kann beispielsweise durch den Prozessor ausgelesen werden.Furthermore, the transmitter comprises means for receiving a second data packet with a second priority. This can be received, for example, via the same network connection as the first data packet or via another network connection. The second priority is higher than the first priority of the first data packet. The second data packet should also be transmitted to the receiver. This may be determined, for example, by a destination address comprising the data packet. The destination address can be read by the processor, for example.

Außerdem umfasst der Sender Mittel zum Abbruch des Sendevorgangs des ersten Datenpakets innerhalb eines der Datenframes des ersten Datenpakets. Es wird der Sendevorgang bei dem Datenframe abgebrochen, der sich zu dem Zeitpunkt des Empfangs des zweiten Datenpakets im Sendevorgang befindet. Der Sendevorgang des ersten Datenpakets wird dann abgebrochen, wenn das zweite Datenpaket mit der zweiten Priorität empfangen wird. Der Sender umfasst außerdem Mittel zur Übertragung des zweiten Datenpakets an den Empfänger. Dies kann beispielsweise über den gleichen Netzwerkanschluss wie der Sendevorgang des ersten Datenpakets erfolgen.In addition, the transmitter comprises means for canceling the transmission of the first data packet within one of the data frames of the first data packet. The transmission process is aborted at the data frame which is in the transmission process at the time of the reception of the second data packet. The transmission process of the first data packet is then aborted when the second data packet with the second priority is received. The transmitter also includes means for transmitting the second data packet to the receiver. This can be done, for example, via the same network connection as the transmission of the first data packet.

In noch einem weiteren Aspekt betrifft die Erfindung ein Computerprogrammprodukt mit durch einen Sender ausführbaren Instruktionen, die bei Ausführung den Sender zur Durchführung eines Verfahrens nach Ausführungsformen der Erfindung veranlassen.In yet another aspect, the invention relates to a computer program product having sender-executable instructions that when executed cause the sender to perform a method according to embodiments of the invention.

In noch einem weiteren Aspekt betrifft die Erfindung ein Automatisierungsnetzwerk mit zumindest einem Sender nach Ausführungsformen der Erfindung.In yet another aspect, the invention relates to an automation network having at least one transmitter according to embodiments of the invention.

Nachfolgend werden Ausführungsformen der Erfindung anhand der Figuren näher erläutert. Es zeigen:

Figur 1
eine schematische Ansicht eines Datenpakets be-stehend aus mehreren Datenframes;
Figur 2
ein Blockdiagramm eines Senders nach Ausführungs-formen der Erfindung; und
Figur 3
ein Flussdiagramm eines Verfahrens nach Ausfüh-rungsformen der Erfindung.
Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. Show it:
FIG. 1
a schematic view of a data packet consisting of several data frames;
FIG. 2
a block diagram of a transmitter according to embodiments of the invention; and
FIG. 3
a flowchart of a method according to embodiments of the invention.

Elemente der nachfolgenden Figuren werden mit denselben Bezugszeichen gekennzeichnet, wenn die Funktion des Elementes identisch ist.Elements of the following figures are identified by the same reference numerals when the function of the element is identical.

Figur 1 ist eine schematische Ansicht eines Datenpakets 100. Das Datenpaket 100 besteht aus mehreren Frames 102-102'''''. Jeder Datenframe 102 weist eine Mindestgröße von weniger als 64 Bytes auf. Bei der Weiterleitung des Datenpakets 100 durch einen Sender wie beispielsweise einem Netzwerkknoten, einem Router, einem Switch, oder einer Bridge kann der Sendevorgang des Datenpakets innerhalb eines der Datenframes 102-102''''' abgebrochen werden. In Figur 1 ist beispielsweise dargestellt, dass die Übertragung des Datenframes 102" an der Stelle 104 abgebrochen wird. Ein Abbruch des Sendevorgangs des Datenframes 102" an der Stelle 104 kann beispielsweise dann erfolgen, wenn durch den Sender, der diesen Datenframe 102" im Moment sendet, ein anderes Datenpaket (Figur 1 nicht dargestellt) gesendet werden soll, das eine höhere Priorität als das hier dargestellte Datenpaket 100 hat. Dies kann beispielsweise der Fall sein, wenn das Datenpaket 100 Benutzerdaten wie zum Beispiel Internetdaten umfasst, und das andere in Figur 1 nicht dargestellte Datenpaket wichtige Echtzeitdaten umfasst, die essentiell für den Automatisierungsprozess des Automatisierungsnetzwerks sind. Falls nun weitere Datenpakete an den gleichen Empfänger weitergeleitet werden sollen, wird die Übertragung des Datenframes 102" abgebrochen, ohne dass der Datenframe 102" an den Empfänger komplett übertragen wird. Somit kann das höher priorisierte nicht dargestellte Datenpaket mit den Echtzeitdaten möglichst schnell an den Empfänger weitergeleitet werden. Der abgebrochene Datenframe 102" wird nach Übertragung des höher priorisierten Datenpakets nochmals übertragen, da er nicht korrekt vom Empfänger empfangen werden konnte, weil er nicht komplett übertragen wurde. FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a data packet 100. The data packet 100 consists of several frames 102-102 '''''. Each data frame 102 has a minimum size of less than 64 bytes. In the forwarding of the data packet 100 by a transmitter such as a network node, a Router, a switch, or a bridge, the transmission of the data packet within one of the data frames 102-102 '''''aborted. In FIG. 1 For example, it is shown that the transmission of the data frame 102 "is aborted at the location 104. An abort of the transmission of the data frame 102" at the location 104 may occur, for example, if sent by the sender sending this data frame 102 "at the moment other data packet ( FIG. 1 not shown), which has a higher priority than the data packet 100 shown here. This may be the case, for example, if the data packet 100 includes user data, such as Internet data, and the other in FIG. 1 Not shown data packet includes important real-time data, which are essential for the automation process of the automation network. If further data packets are to be forwarded to the same receiver, the transmission of the data frame 102 "is aborted without the data frame 102" being completely transmitted to the receiver. Thus, the higher-priority data packet not shown with the real-time data can be forwarded as quickly as possible to the receiver. The aborted data frame 102 "is retransmitted after transmission of the higher priority data packet because it could not be received correctly by the receiver because it was not completely transmitted.

Die Reduzierung der Mindestgröße der Datenframes auf weniger als 64 Bytes ist außerdem vorteilhaft, da so die Übertragung eines Datenframes nicht so häufig abgebrochen werden muss wie bei Datenframes mit einer höheren Mindestgröße. Somit werden auch niedrig priorisierte Daten zuverlässig mit einer annehmbaren Geschwindigkeit übertragen. Bei einer größeren Mindestgröße der Datenframes 102 würden die Übertragungen der niedrig priorisierten Datenframes 102 häufig abgebrochen, da ein höher priorisiertes Datenpaket übertragen werden muss. In diesem Falle würde sich die Weiterleitung von niedrig priorisierten Daten erheblich verzögern.Reducing the minimum size of the data frames to less than 64 bytes is also advantageous because it does not require the transfer of a data frame to be terminated as frequently as it does for data frames of a higher minimum size. Thus, even low priority data is reliably transmitted at an acceptable speed. With a larger minimum size of the data frames 102, the transmissions of the low priority data frames 102 would often be aborted because a higher priority data packet needs to be transmitted. In this case, the forwarding of low prioritized data would be significantly delayed.

Figur 2 ist ein Blockdiagramm eines Senders 200 mit einem Prozessor 202, einem Datenspeicher 204 und Programminstruktionen 206. Der Prozessor 202 ist zur Ausführung der Programminstruktionen 206 ausgebildet. Ferner umfasst der Sender 200 Netzwerkanschlüsse 208-208''. Über die Netzwerkanschlüsse 208-208'' ist der Sender 200 mit anderen Komponenten des Automatisierungsnetzwerks verbunden. Beispielsweise kann der Sender 200 über den Netzwerkanschluss 208 mit einem Empfänger verbunden sein und mit den Netzwerkanschlüssen 208' und 208" mit anderen Sendern, von denen der Sender 200 wiederum Daten empfängt. Mit anderen Worten ist der Sender 200 in diesem Falle dazu ausgebildet, Datenpakete, die über einen der Netzwerkanschlüsse 208' oder 208" empfangen werden, über den Netzwerkanschluss 208 an den Empfänger auszugeben. FIG. 2 FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a transmitter 200 having a processor 202, a data memory 204, and program instructions 206. The processor 202 is configured to execute the program instructions 206. Further, the transmitter 200 includes network ports 208-208 ". Through the network ports 208-208 ", the transmitter 200 is connected to other components of the automation network. For example, the transmitter 200 may be connected to a receiver via the network connector 208, and to other transmitters 208 'and 208 "with other transmitters, from which the transmitter 200 in turn receives data. In other words, the transmitter 200 is adapted to receive data packets which are received via one of the network ports 208 'or 208 ", via the network port 208 to the receiver.

Im Betrieb wird ein erstes Datenpaket mit einer ersten Priorität über einen der Netzwerkanschlüsse 208' oder 208" empfangen. Daraufhin liest der Prozessor 202 die Zieladresse des ersten Datenpaketes aus und startet einen Sendevorgang des ersten Datenpakets zu dem Empfänger über den Netzwerkanschluss 208. Während des Sendevorgangs wird über einen der Netzwerkanschlüsse 208' oder 208" ein zweites Datenpaket mit einer zweiten Priorität empfangen. Die zweite Priorität ist höher als die erste Priorität. Der Prozessor 202 liest auch hier die Zieladresse des zweiten Datenpakets aus. Die Zieladresse stimmt mit der Zieladresse des ersten Datenpaketes überein. Mit anderen Worten soll also das zweite Datenpaket ebenfalls an den Empfänger übertragen werden. Auch die Prioritäten werden jeweils von dem Prozessor ausgelesen. Durch Vergleich der ersten Priorität mit der zweiten Priorität verfügt der Prozessor 202 über Informationen, dass die Weiterleitung des zweiten Datenpaketes wichtiger für das Automatisierungsnetzwerk ist als der Sendevorgang des ersten Datenpaketes. Daher wird der Sendevorgang des ersten Datenpaketes innerhalb eines der Datenframes des ersten Datenpaketes abgebrochen. Der Abbruch erfolgt bei dem Datenframe, der sich zu dem Zeitpunkt des Empfangs des zweiten Datenpakets im Sendevorgang befindet. Es wird also schnellstmöglich das zweite Datenpaket an den Empfänger gesendet. Dies reduziert die Verzögerungszeit bei hochpriorisierten Daten wie beispielsweise Echtzeitdaten. Nach Abbruch des Sendevorgangs des ersten Datenpaketes wird das zweite Datenpaket an den Empfänger über den Netzwerkanschluss 208 übertragen. Wenn die Übertragung des zweiten Datenpaketes erfolgt ist, kann der Sendevorgang des ersten Datenpaketes wieder aufgenommen werden. Hierzu wird der abgebrochene Datenframe nochmals übertragen, da dieser zuvor nicht korrekt vom Empfänger empfangen werden konnte. Das erste Datenpaket inklusive des abgebrochenen Datenframes kann beispielsweise in dem Datenspeicher 204 oder in einem anderen Datenspeicher gespeichert werden. Es kann entweder das ganze Datenpaket gespeichert werden oder aber auch nur ein Teil. Beispielsweise kann jeweils ein Datenframe des ersten Datenpaketes gelöscht werden, wenn dieser komplett übertragen wurde. Somit befinden sich im Datenspeicher nur noch Datenframes des ersten Datenpaketes, die noch nicht komplett zum Empfänger übertragen wurden.In operation, a first data packet having a first priority is received via one of the network ports 208 'or 208 ", whereupon the processor 202 reads out the destination address of the first data packet and starts a transmission of the first data packet to the receiver via the network port 208. During the transmission process A second data packet with a second priority is received via one of the network ports 208 'or 208 ". The second priority is higher than the first priority. The processor 202 also reads out the destination address of the second data packet here. The destination address matches the destination address of the first data packet. In other words, therefore, the second data packet should also be transmitted to the receiver. The priorities are also read out by the processor. By comparing the first priority with the second priority, the processor 202 has information that the forwarding of the second data packet is more important to the automation network than the transmission of the first data packet. Therefore, the transmission process of the first data packet within one of the data frames of the first data packet is aborted. The abort occurs at the data frame which is in the transmission process at the time of the reception of the second data packet. It will be the second as soon as possible Data packet sent to the receiver. This reduces the delay time for high priority data such as real time data. After termination of the transmission process of the first data packet, the second data packet is transmitted to the receiver via the network connection 208. If the transmission of the second data packet has taken place, the transmission process of the first data packet can be resumed. For this purpose, the aborted data frame is retransmitted because it could not previously be received correctly by the receiver. The first data packet including the aborted data frame can for example be stored in the data memory 204 or in another data memory. Either the whole data package can be saved or even only a part. For example, a data frame of the first data packet can be deleted if it has been completely transmitted. Thus, only data frames of the first data packet, which have not yet been completely transmitted to the receiver, are located in the data memory.

Figur 3 ist ein Flussdiagramm eines Verfahrens nach Ausführungsformen der Erfindung. In einem ersten Schritt S1 wird das erste Datenpaket mit der ersten Priorität durch den Sender empfangen. Darauf wird im Schritt S2 der Sendevorgang des ersten Datenpaketes von dem Sender zu dem Empfänger gestartet. Dieser Sendevorgang dauert während Schritt S3 noch an. In Schritt S3 wird das zweite Datenpaket mit der zweiten Priorität zu einem Zeitpunkt durch den Sender empfangen, während der Sendevorgang des ersten Datenpaketes noch läuft. Die zweite Priorität ist dabei höher als die erste Priorität und das zweite Datenpaket soll ebenfalls an den gleichen Empfänger wie das erste Datenpaket übertragen werden. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method according to embodiments of the invention. In a first step S1, the first data packet with the first priority is received by the transmitter. Then, in step S2, the transmission of the first data packet from the transmitter to the receiver is started. This transmission continues during step S3. In step S3, the second data packet with the second priority is received by the transmitter at a time, while the transmission of the first data packet is still running. The second priority is higher than the first priority and the second data packet is also to be transmitted to the same receiver as the first data packet.

Daraufhin wird in Schritt S4 der Sendevorgang des ersten Datenpaketes innerhalb eines der Datenframes des ersten Datenpaketes abgebrochen. Es wird die Übertragung desjenigen Datenframes abgebrochen, der sich zu dem Zeitpunkt des Empfangs des zweiten Datenpaketes im Sendevorgang befindet. Der Sendevorgang wird also schnellstmöglich abgebrochen. Es wird nicht abgewartet, bis ein Datenframe komplett übertragen ist. Daraufhin wird in Schritt S5 das zweite Datenpaket von dem Sender zu dem Empfänger übertragen.Then, in step S4, the transmission process of the first data packet within one of the data frames of the first data packet is aborted. The transmission of the data frame is aborted, which is at the time of receiving the second data packet in the transmission process. The transmission process is thus aborted as soon as possible. It will not Waited until a data frame is completely transferred. Subsequently, in step S5, the second data packet is transmitted from the sender to the receiver.

Der Sendevorgang des ersten Datenpaketes kann fortgeführt werden, wenn die Übertragung des zweiten Datenpaketes abgeschlossen ist. Der abgebrochene Datenframe wird dabei wiederholt übertragen, da er zuvor nicht korrekt vom Empfänger empfangen werden konnte. Hierfür wird das erste Datenpaket während des Übertragungsvorgangs des zweiten Datenpaketes in dem Sender zwischengespeichert. Es kann beispielsweise das gesamte erste Datenpaket zwischengespeichert werden oder nur derjenige Teil des ersten Datenpaketes, der noch nicht komplett zu dem Empfänger übertragen wurde.The transmission of the first data packet can be continued when the transmission of the second data packet is completed. The aborted data frame is transmitted repeatedly because it could not previously be received correctly by the receiver. For this purpose, the first data packet is buffered during the transmission process of the second data packet in the transmitter. For example, the entire first data packet can be buffered or only the part of the first data packet that has not yet been completely transmitted to the receiver.

Claims (10)

Verfahren zur Übertragung von Datenpaketen (100) in einem Ethernet-Automatisierungssnetzwerk, wobei die Datenpakete aus mehreren Datenframes (102) bestehen, wobei eine Mindestgröße der Datenframes (102) weniger als 64 Bytes beträgt, und wobei das Verfahren die folgenden Schritte umfasst: - Empfang (S1) eines ersten Datenpakets mit einer ersten Priorität durch einen Sender (200), - Start (S2) eines Sendevorgangs des ersten Datenpakets von dem Sender zu einem Empfänger, - Empfang (S3) eines zweiten Datenpakets mit einer zweiten Priorität zu einem Zeitpunkt durch den Sender (200), wobei die zweite Priorität höher als die erste Priorität ist, wobei das zweite Datenpaket an den Empfänger übertragen werden soll, und daraufhin - Abbruch (S3) des Sendevorgangs des ersten Datenpakets innerhalb eines (102") der Datenframes (102) des ersten Datenpakets, der sich zu dem Zeitpunkt des Empfangs des zweiten Datenpakets im Sendevorgang befindet, und daraufhin - Übertragung (S4) des zweiten Datenpakets von dem Sender (200) zu dem Empfänger. A method of transmitting data packets (100) in an Ethernet automation network, the data packets consisting of a plurality of data frames (102), wherein a minimum size of the data frames (102) is less than 64 bytes, and wherein the method comprises the steps of: Receiving (S1) a first data packet with a first priority by a transmitter (200), Start (S2) a transmission of the first data packet from the transmitter to a receiver, - Receiving (S3) a second data packet with a second priority at a time by the transmitter (200), wherein the second priority is higher than the first priority, wherein the second data packet is to be transmitted to the receiver, and then - Abort (S3) of the transmission of the first data packet within one (102 ") of the data frames (102) of the first data packet, which is at the time of receiving the second data packet in the transmission process, and then - Transmission (S4) of the second data packet from the transmitter (200) to the receiver. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei jeder Datenframe (102) des ersten Datenpakets während des Sendevorgangs in einem Zwischenspeicher zwischengespeichert wird, und wobei im Falle des Abbruchs des Sendevorgangs der Datenframe (102) nochmals aus dem Zwischenspeicher übertragen wird, dessen Übertragung abgebrochen wird, nachdem das zweite Datenpaket übertragen wurde.Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each data frame (102) of the first data packet is buffered in a buffer during the transmission process, and wherein in the case of abortion of the transmission process, the data frame (102) is again transmitted from the buffer whose transmission is aborted, after the second data packet has been transmitted. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Sendevorgang des ersten Datenpakets und die Übertragung des zweiten Datenpakets über einen Übertragungsweg von dem Sender zu dem Empfänger erfolgt, und wobei dieser Übertragungsweg ausschließlich für Datenübertragungen von dem Sender (200) zu dem Empfänger genutzt wird.Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmission of the first data packet and the transmission of the second data packet via a transmission path from the transmitter to the receiver, and wherein this transmission path is used exclusively for data transmission from the transmitter (200) to the receiver. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Übertragung des ersten Datenpakets nach Übertragung eines Nibbles oder eines Bytes abgebrochen wird.Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmission of the first data packet is aborted after transmission of a nibble or a byte. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Sender (200) einen Datenframe der Datenframes (102) des ersten und des zweiten Datenpakets sofort weiterleitet, nachdem ein erster Teil dieses Datenframes empfangen wurde.The method of any preceding claim, wherein the sender (200) immediately forwards a data frame of the data frames (102) of the first and second data packets after a first portion of that data frame has been received. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei jeder der Datenframes (102) des ersten und des zweiten Datenpakets eine Zieladresse umfasst, wobei die Zieladresse festlegt, über welchen Netzwerkanschluss des Senders (200) der jeweilige Datenframe an den Empfänger übertragen wird.Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the data frames (102) of the first and the second data packet comprises a destination address, wherein the destination address determines via which network connection of the transmitter (200) the respective data frame is transmitted to the receiver. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das zweite Datenpaket Echtzeitdaten des Automatisierungsnetzwerks umfasst.Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second data packet comprises real-time data of the automation network. Sender (200) für ein Ethernet-Automatisierungsnetzwerk zur Übertragung von Datenpaketen, wobei die Datenpakete aus mehreren Datenframes (102) bestehen, wobei eine Mindestgröße der Datenframes (102) weniger als 64 Bytes beträgt, mit: - Mitteln (208'; 208'')) zum Empfang eines ersten Datenpakets mit einer ersten Priorität, - Mitteln (202; 206; 208) zum Start eines Sendevorgangs des ersten Datenpakets zu einem Empfänger, - Mitteln (208; 208") zum Empfang eines zweiten Datenpakets mit einer zweiten Priorität, wobei die zweite Priorität höher als die erste Priorität ist, und wobei das zweite Datenpaket an den Empfänger übertragen werden soll, - Mitteln (202; 206) zum Abbruch des Sendevorgangs des ersten Datenpakets innerhalb eines der Datenframes (102) des ersten Datenpakets, der sich zu dem Zeitpunkt des Empfangs des zweiten Datenpakets im Sendevorgang befindet, - Mitteln (202; 206; 208) zur Übertragung des zweiten Datenpakets zu dem Empfänger. An Ethernet automation network transmitter (200) for transmitting data packets, the data packets consisting of a plurality of data frames (102), wherein a minimum size of the data frames (102) is less than 64 bytes, comprising: Means (208 ', 208 ") for receiving a first data packet having a first priority, - means (202; 206; 208) for starting a transmission of the first data packet to a receiver, - means (208; 208 ") for receiving a second data packet having a second priority, wherein the second priority is higher than the first priority, and wherein the second data packet is to be transmitted to the receiver, - means (202; 206) for stopping the transmission of the first data packet within one of the data frames (102) of the first data packet which is in the transmission process at the time of the reception of the second data packet, - means (202; 206; 208) for transmitting the second data packet to the receiver. Computerprogrammprodukt (204) mit durch einen Sender (200) ausführbaren Instruktionen (206), die bei Ausführung den Sender (200) zur Durchführung eines Verfahrens nach einem der Ansprüche 1-7 veranlassen.A computer program product (204) comprising instructions (206) executable by a transmitter (200) which, when executed, cause the transmitter (200) to perform a method according to any one of claims 1-7. Automatisierungsnetzwerk mit zumindest einem Sender (200) nach Anspruch 8.Automation network with at least one transmitter (200) according to claim 8.
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